The 8^th Tenshiki-Cup Student Comic Storytelling Championship was held at Juroku Plaza, Gifu City on August 20, 2017. Mr. Takeru Furusawa (stage name "Nagaraya Senbei), a 4^th Grade Student of the Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences won first prize in the championship.

A total of 122 students from 36 universities applied, and only eight contenders who won the preliminary competition the previous day, were allowed to participate in the 8th championship. Mr. Furusawa told a story, "Tricked Death" in the first round, and a story about a cat becoming a human in the second round. In the final round, he told a classic comic story, "Filial Candies" by referring to the popular song lyrics of the young singing group in Japan, and won first prize.

Mr. Furusawa visited the Office of President with Professor Hideharu Ishida, former member of Gifu University Rakugo Comic Storytelling Club, and reported his victory to President Hisataka Moriwaki on September 4. In his meeting with the President, Mr. Furusawa commented, "I spent more time writing the script rather than practicing. I am pleased that my script was given high marks by the judges." President Moriwaki praised his great achievement and said, "Becoming the best student comic storyteller in Japan is something remarkable. I hope you will continue to perform as a storyteller even after graduation."

Gifu University Rakugo Comic Storytelling Club now has 25 members. They are practicing very hard every day and volunteer to perform at home for senior citizens, elementary schools and women's associations. All club members are expressing their strong intentions to keep on working for local communities and engaging in social activities.